35 people were killed and 43 people were injured when a vehicle crashed into a crowd outside a sports center in Zhuhai city in southern China on Monday evening. The incident shocked the country and raised questions about the cause of the incident and the safety of public venues.

The driver, identified only by his surname Fan, is a 62-year-old divorced man. According to authorities, Fan tried to harm himself with a knife when the police arrived, but the police managed to neutralize him at the scene. He was immediately taken to the hospital for medical treatment.

Authorities have not released further details about the man’s motives and investigations are ongoing. No official statement clarified whether the incident was intentional or accidental, adding to the confusion and anxiety.

Zhuhai police confirmed the tragic sequence of events, stating that Fan’s vehicle hit several pedestrians outside the bustling Xiangzhou sports centre. The center is a popular leisure venue attracting hundreds of residents who come each day to exercise, run, play football and socialize.

The horrific incident on Monday evening interrupted this routine, leaving families and onlookers in shock. In response, the center announced that it would remain closed until further notice, prioritizing safety and mourning the loss of the victims.

President Xi Jinping reacted to the incident and called on citizens to support and help the injured. His message was broadcast on state media and was accompanied by additional calls for social solidarity amid the nation’s pain.

Despite the high-profile nature of the incident, media coverage on Chinese social platforms was quickly censored, limiting public awareness and discussion.

Searches for information about the incident were heavily restricted on major social media sites such as Weibo on Tuesday morning. Although some posts initially appeared, most were removed, leaving only vague references with minimal detail.

A video shared by well-known blogger Teacher Li on social platform X depicted the aftermath in heartbreaking scenes. The footage shows a firefighter performing CPR on the victim while onlookers are instructed to clear the area.

Dozens of people lie injured and in shock on the running track of the sports centre. In one of the clips, a woman’s voice can be heard saying, “My foot is broken.” Teacher Li, who frequently shares news sent by users, sent the video to his followers, causing condolences to pour in despite official efforts to suppress the story.

This tragic incident adds to a series of recent violent incidents in China. A 50-year-old man who allegedly attacked schoolchildren with a knife and injured five people in Beijing in October was detained.

In another case in September, three people died in a knife attack at a supermarket in Shanghai. Random attacks have become a growing concern in Chinese society, leading to increased calls for public safety reforms and mental health awareness.

While Zhuhai mourns its loss, the city remains on edge, awaiting updates from police and city officials. The event reignited discussions about safety in public spaces and the urgent need for preventive measures.